Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch and Swim

The Atlantic puts on the show here. This Adeje cruise combines pilot whale and dolphin watching with a swim stop, lunch, drinks, and views of Tenerife’s rugged southwest coast. I like the respectful approach to the animals, with the boat keeping its distance and allowing whales and dolphins to come near on their own. I also like the excellent value: $59 includes the cruise, lunch, drinks, guide, and time to swim.

The main trade-off is the sea itself. The water can turn choppy after leaving Puerto Colón, so seasickness is a real possibility. The shorter trip may also feel busy when everyone gathers for a whale sighting or swim stop, but the boat has several levels and plenty of viewing space.

Key points before you book

• Two routes suit different days: Choose the three-hour cruise to Diego Hernandez Bay or the 4.5-hour trip toward Masca and Los Gigantes.
• Pilot whales are the main sighting: Dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and other sea life are also possible, but nature sets the schedule.
• Sixteen underwater windows add another angle: You can watch the sea below the catamaran without getting into the water.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be requested in advance.
• The swim stop lasts about 40 minutes: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel, though snorkeling equipment is not supplied.
• The cruise follows a conservation-minded approach: The boat operates in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary and avoids chasing the animals.

Choosing between Diego Hernandez Bay and Los Gigantes

You have two versions of the cruise, and the choice matters more than the small price difference, if there is one at booking.

The three-hour Diego Hernandez Bay trip is the sensible pick if you want a compact outing. The boat heads from Puerto Colón along the southwest coast, searches for whales and dolphins, then anchors at Diego Hernandez Bay. You get time for a swim in clear Atlantic water, followed by lunch and drinks onboard.

This route gives you the core experience without taking up half a day. It suits families with younger children, anyone prone to seasickness, or you if you simply want room in your schedule for another Tenerife activity. The drawback is that you may see the Los Gigantes cliffs only from a distance, rather than reaching them.

The 4.5-hour Masca and Los Gigantes trip adds more coastline and a stronger sightseeing element. You travel west toward the tall cliffs of Los Gigantes, one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal sights, while searching for cetaceans along the way. The boat then anchors in a scenic bay, usually around the Masca area, for a swim and lunch.

I would choose this longer outing if Los Gigantes is high on your list. The extra time gives the captain more room to search for marine life and lets you enjoy the coast at a slower pace. It is also the better choice for a full day on the water, though the longer time can be harder if you feel queasy or lose interest once the initial excitement fades.

Leaving Puerto Colón with the coast in view

The cruise begins at Puerto Colón, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. Allow time to find the correct catamaran and boarding area, especially since the boat may use more than one departure point.

Once onboard, the guide gives a safety briefing and explains the plan. The first part of the trip is a scenic run along the coast, lasting roughly 30 minutes before the boat reaches the main viewing area. Morning departures can feel cool in the sea breeze, so I would bring a light jacket even on a warm Tenerife day.

The catamaran is large, with several decks and viewing areas. You can usually move around to find a clearer angle, although busy moments are possible when whales surface close to the boat. The upper deck should help if you are prone to seasickness, while the underwater viewing areas offer a calmer way to watch the water.

Music is kept at a reasonable volume, which matters on a wildlife trip. You want to hear the guide and the sea, not spend several hours beside a floating nightclub.

Watching pilot whales in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary

The southwest coast of Tenerife is part of the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, a protected marine area where pilot whales and dolphins live year-round. This is not a zoo visit or a guaranteed animal performance. The crew searches, listens, and adjusts the route according to what is happening at sea.

Pilot whales are the most likely highlight. They often travel in family groups and may surface near the boat. Dolphins can appear in pods, sometimes moving alongside the catamaran. You might also see flying fish, sea turtles, or other marine life, but sightings vary from one departure to the next.

The best part of the approach is the distance kept from the animals. The boat does not need to chase them to create a good sighting. Several accounts describe whales and dolphins approaching the boat rather than being pursued, which makes the experience feel calmer and more respectful.

The guide points out what to look for and shares information in Spanish, Dutch, English, German, Italian, and French. Anita and Johan are among the crew names praised for their friendly, multilingual help. The exact guide depends on the departure, but language support is a strong feature for international families.

The 16 panoramic submarine windows are a clever addition. You can watch the underside of the boat and sometimes see animals from below the waterline. This will not replace an actual snorkeling session, and visibility depends on the sea, but it gives children and anyone who prefers to stay dry another way to watch.

Bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the entire cruise staring at a screen. Wildlife photography from a moving boat is unpredictable, and the best moments can last only a few seconds.

Swimming in clear Atlantic water

After the whale watching, the catamaran anchors in a bay for a swim. The stop is about 40 minutes, although timing can vary with sea conditions and the route.

Diego Hernandez Bay offers a clear-water break close to the coast. The longer cruise heads toward a bay near Masca and Los Gigantes, where the tall cliffs make the swim feel more dramatic. You enter from the boat rather than walking onto a beach, usually using the rear platform or diving platform.

The swim is a pleasant change after sitting and watching the horizon. You can cool off, look into the water, and take in the cliffs from a low position that you cannot get from the road. Some people have seen fish below while swimming, but snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own gear if you want to look underwater.

Do not expect a long beach stop. This is a boat swim, not a shore excursion. The space around the rear platform can feel crowded when many people want to enter at once, so families may prefer to organize their swim time rather than all rush down together.

The crew controls the stop and will adjust it if conditions require. That is sensible, but it means you should not treat the 40-minute figure as a promise of uninterrupted swimming.

Lunch, drinks, and the practical value of $59

At $59 per person, this is a strong package for a three to 4.5-hour outing. A separate whale-watching trip, coastal sightseeing cruise, meal, and swim activity could easily cost more when booked individually. Here, the price covers the boat, guide, wildlife search, lunch, drinks, and the underwater viewing windows.

Lunch is practical rather than gourmet. Expect a filling meal served onboard, with some departures offering fruit or a Canarian-style dessert. The food has generally been described as tasty and plentiful, though a few people found it ordinary or wished for more side dishes.

That is fair criticism, especially on the longer cruise. Still, I would rather have a simple meal that works on a moving boat than a heavy plate that leaves you feeling sick before the swim. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available on request, so mention your needs before departure.

Drinks are one of the better value points. Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are available throughout the trip, generally through a self-service station. Adults may also receive a small honey-rum or similar traditional drink toward the end, depending on the crew and departure.

Fruit such as apples and bananas has also been offered during some trips. These small extras matter because a sunny boat ride can leave you hungry and thirsty long before you return to port.

What the boat feels like during a busy departure

This is not a tiny private charter. The catamaran can carry a substantial number of people, and the popular viewing points become busy when a pod of dolphins appears. At the same time, the boat has multiple decks, the main deck, upper viewing areas, and underwater windows, so you are not restricted to one crowded rail.

For the best chance of choosing your preferred seat, arrive early. An upper position gives you a wider view and may help with motion sickness. The main deck is useful if you want easier access to the guide, drinks, lunch, and the underwater windows.

The staff are often praised for being warm, attentive, and efficient. They help with family photos, point out animals, and check on people who feel unwell. That service is particularly useful on a mixed-language boat where clear announcements matter.

There can be minor frustrations. One person found the photographer too forceful around the walking areas, and another felt the boat was crowded at the swimming stop. Photos and videos are offered for purchase, but you are not required to buy them. If you dislike sales pitches, simply take your own pictures and keep moving.

Seasickness, clothing, and access

Take seasickness seriously. The first section leaving the port can be choppy, and the open Atlantic may feel rougher than the harbor. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual medication before departure and bring it with you. Sitting on the upper deck, looking toward the horizon, and avoiding the enclosed lower areas may help.

Wear comfortable shoes for moving around the boat. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. A light jacket is particularly useful on a morning trip.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but access has limits. Movement is restricted to the main deck, and the bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider before booking so the crew can confirm there is enough room.

Assistance dogs are allowed, but other pets are not. Drones are not permitted, and you must not feed or touch marine life.

Who will enjoy this Adeje cruise most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a broad taste of Tenerife’s southwest coast. You get wildlife, cliffs, a swim, a meal, and a gentle introduction to the island’s marine setting in one outing.

It works especially well for families because there are several ways to stay interested. Children can look for whales from the rail, watch the underwater windows, swim from the platform, and keep returning to the drinks station. The crew’s multilingual explanations also help when not everyone in the group speaks the same language.

The trip is less suitable if you need a quiet private boat, dislike group activities, or become very seasick. It is also not the right choice if you expect guaranteed sightings of a particular species. The crew may find many pilot whales and dolphins, but nature does not follow a timetable.

The longer Los Gigantes version suits you if the cliffs and a slower day at sea matter as much as the animals. The three-hour trip is better if you want the highlights with less time exposed to waves.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want good value and variety rather than a private wildlife charter. The strongest reasons to book are the respectful whale watching, excellent chance of seeing pilot whales, included drinks, clear-water swim, and the unusual underwater windows.

Choose the three-hour Diego Hernandez option if your schedule is tight or you are cautious about seasickness. Choose the 4.5-hour Masca and Los Gigantes route if you want more coastline and a fuller day on the water.

I would book this cruise with realistic expectations: sightings are never guaranteed, lunch is simple, and the boat can feel busy at popular moments. For $59, though, you receive a generous amount of time and several experiences in one outing. Bring a jacket, take motion-sickness precautions, and let the sea decide what appears.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón, though the exact meeting point may vary according to the option booked.

How long is the cruise?

You can choose between a three-hour cruise to Diego Hernandez Bay and a 4.5-hour cruise toward Masca and the cliffs of Los Gigantes.

Will I see whales and dolphins?

The cruise searches for pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Sightings are common, but they cannot be guaranteed because the animals move freely.

What kind of whales are usually seen?

Pilot whales are the main whale species associated with the cruise. Other marine life may include dolphins, flying fish, and sea turtles.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. A selection of drinks is included throughout the cruise. These can include water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The boat stops for swimming at Diego Hernandez Bay or a bay near Masca and Los Gigantes. The swim stop lasts about 40 minutes, although conditions can affect the timing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it during the swim stop.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat is accessible on the main deck, but movement is limited there and the bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and wheelchair users should contact the provider before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. A light jacket is useful on morning departures, and anyone prone to seasickness should bring their own medication.